Golf hole enlargement device

ABSTRACT

A golf hole enlargement device includes a first horizontal disk, a second horizontal disk, and an aperture wall. The horizontal disks have aperture walls formed therethrough. The aperture wall extends between the horizontal disks and mounts a bottom surface of the first horizontal disk to a top surface of the second horizontal disk. The aperture walls define a hole sized to accept an end of a flagstick for a golf green to position the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk adjacent a golf hole of the golf green. The first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk have a diameter greater than six inches, and a minimum vertical distance between them is selected to be less than a diameter of a ball to be trapped by the golf hole enlargement device when the golf hole enlargement device is used.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/328,774 that was filed Apr. 28, 2016, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/346,091 that was filed Jun. 6, 2016, the entire contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a sport in which players use various clubs to hit a golf ball into a hole formed in a golf green of a golf course. Golf balls are spherical and standardized to have a diameter not less than 1.68 inches (42.67 millimeters (mm)) and typically have dimples formed in the outside surface. The holes are standardized to have a diameter of 4.25 inches. One of the more difficult and time consuming aspects of playing golf is the last step of hitting the ball into the hole due to its small size.

Foot golf is similar to traditional golf except larger balls are used requiring larger holes. The balls may vary in size and include a soccer ball. For example, an inflated adult (#5) soccer ball has a 28 inch circumference, an 8.5 inch diameter, and weighs approximately 15 ounces. A golf hole sized for foot golf using a soccer ball may be from approximately 20 inches to 22 inches.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, a golf hole enlargement device is provided. The golf hole enlargement device includes, but is not limited to, a first horizontal disk, a second horizontal disk, and an aperture wall. The horizontal disks have aperture walls formed therethrough. The aperture wall extends between the horizontal disks and mounts a bottom surface of the first horizontal disk to a top surface of the second horizontal disk. The aperture walls define a hole sized to accept an end of a flagstick for a golf green to position the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk adjacent a golf hole of the golf green. The first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk have a diameter greater than six inches. A minimum vertical distance between the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk and the top surface of the second horizontal disk is selected to be less than a diameter of a ball to be trapped by the golf hole enlargement device when the golf hole enlargement device is used.

Other principal features of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will hereafter be described referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a golf green in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a golf hole enlargement device in use on a golf green in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a zoomed view of the golf hole enlargement device with a flagstick in the process of being positioned in the golf hole enlargement device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a zoomed view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a zoomed view of the golf hole enlargement device after capturing a golf ball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a side schematic view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a golf green 100 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A golf course includes one or more golf greens that define more closely mown surfaces on which a golfer may putt a golf ball 108 into a golf hole 102 cut into the surface of golf green 100. As already stated, golf ball 108 is spherical and standardized to have a diameter of not less than 1.68 inches. Each golf hole 102 cut into the surface of a respective golf green 100 has a diameter of 4.25 inches. An insertion end 300 (shown referring to FIG. 3) of a flagstick 104 is inserted into golf hole 102. Insertion end 300 may include a ferrule 302 as understood by a person of skill in the art. Ferrule 302 limits a movement and a rotation of flagstick 104 once it is inserted into golf hole 102. A flag 106 may be mounted to extend from an end of flagstick 104 opposite insertion end 300.

Referring to FIG. 2, a golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown in use on golf green 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Golf hole enlargement device 200 may include a first horizontal disk 202, a second horizontal disk 204, and an aperture wall 600 (shown referring to FIG. 6). First horizontal disk 202 has a first aperture wall 206 formed therethrough in a vertical direction. Second horizontal disk 204 has a second aperture wall (not shown) formed therethrough in the vertical direction. The second aperture wall may have a size and a shape similar to first aperture wall 206 though this is not required. Aperture wall 600 extends between first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 and mounts a bottom surface 720 (shown referring to FIG. 7) of first horizontal disk 202 to a top surface 604 (shown referring to FIG. 6) of second horizontal disk 204.

In an illustrative embodiment, first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 have a circular cross section in a horizontal direction. In alternative embodiments, first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 may have a cross section in the horizontal direction that has an elliptical or polygonal shape that may be oriented by the golfer when insertion end 300 of flagstick 104 is inserted into golf hole 102 through first aperture wall 206, aperture wall 600, and the second aperture wall.

First aperture wall 206, aperture wall 604, and the second aperture wall define a hole sized to accept insertion end 300 of flagstick 104 and to position first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 adjacent golf hole 102 of golf green 100. In an illustrative embodiment, first aperture wall 206 and the second aperture wall have a circular cross section in a horizontal direction and are formed at a center of first horizontal disk 202 and of second horizontal disk 204, respectively. In alternative embodiments, first aperture wall 206 and the second aperture wall may have a cross section in the horizontal direction that has an elliptical or polygonal shape. In alternative embodiments, first aperture wall 206 and the second aperture wall may be aligned in a vertical direction, but may not be formed at the center of first horizontal disk 202 and of second horizontal disk 204, respectively.

A minimum vertical distance between bottom surface 720 of first horizontal disk 202 to a top surface 604 of second horizontal disk 204 may be less than 1.68 inches or whatever size ball golf hole enlargement device 200 is selected to stop, trap, or otherwise capture. For example, the minimum vertical distance occurs at aperture wall 600 and is approximately 1.5 inches for a standard size golf ball. First horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 have a diameter greater than six inches.

To use golf hole enlargement device 200, flagstick 104 is removed from golf hole 102. Golf hole enlargement device 200 is positioned on a surface of golf green 100 aligning first aperture wall 206, aperture wall 600, and the second aperture wall over golf hole 102 in the vertical direction. Insertion end 300 of flagstick 104 is inserted into golf hole 102 within first aperture wall 206, aperture wall 600, and the second aperture wall. Referring to FIG. 3, a zoomed view of golf hole enlargement device 200 with ferrule 302 and insertion end 300 of flagstick 104 in the process of being inserted within first aperture wall 206, aperture wall 600, and the second aperture wall in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Flagstick 104 is mounted in golf hole 102 in the identical manner with or without golf hole enlargement device 200. When golf hole enlargement device 200 is positioned over golf hole 102, access to golf hole 102 by golf ball 108 is blocked by aperture wall 600. Referring to FIG. 4, a zoomed view of golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment with flagstick 104 mounted within first aperture wall 206, aperture wall 600, and the second aperture wall and inserted into golf hole 102.

Instead of completing a score for the golf hole by hitting golf ball 108 into golf hole 102, the score for the golf hole is completed when golf ball 108 is stopped, trapped, or captured between first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 as shown referring to FIGS. 5 and 7. Because first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 have a diameter greater than golf hole 102, golf hole enlargement device 200 has effectively enlarged golf hole 102 without physically altering golf hole 102. Because hitting golf ball 108 into golf hole 102 is one of the more difficult and time consuming aspects of playing golf, golf hole enlargement device 200 increases a speed of play and an amount of enjoyment associated with playing golf particularly for less skilled players. Because golf hole 102 is not physically altered, golf green 100 is not altered for players that desire to play golf under the current golf regulations.

The diameter of first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 may be selected by striking a balance between maintaining a level of skill while insuring a sufficient speed of play. For illustration, the diameter of first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 may be selected between six inches and 14 inches though even larger diameters are possible. In an illustrative embodiment, the diameter of first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 is approximately nine inches.

Referring to FIG. 6, a side perspective view of golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. First horizontal disk 202 may include first aperture wall 206, a top surface 602, bottom surface 720, and a first outer edge 606. Second horizontal disk 204 may include the second aperture wall, top surface 604, a bottom surface 722 (shown referring to FIG. 7), and a second outer edge 608.

Referring to FIG. 7, a side schematic view of golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A first height 700 defines a height of first outer edge 606. For illustration, first height 700 may be approximately 0.1 inches. A second height 702 defines a height of second outer edge 608. A third height 704 defines a vertical distance between bottom surface 720 of first horizontal disk 202 and top surface 604 of second horizontal disk 204. For illustration, third height 704 may be approximately 1.8 inches. A width 708 defines a width between top surface 604 and bottom surface 722 of second horizontal disk 204. For illustration, width 708 may be approximately 0.1 inches. A fourth height 712 defines a height of aperture wall 600 between bottom surface 720 of first horizontal disk 202 and top surface 604 of second horizontal disk 204.

A penetration distance 706 defines a typical distance between second outer edge 608 of second horizontal disk 204 and a center of golf ball 108 at which golf ball 108 comes to rest when hit towards golf hole enlargement device 200. For illustration, penetration distance 706 may be approximately 0.5 inches. Penetration distance 706 may vary based on a speed of golf ball 108 when it reaches second outer edge 608 and a slope of bottom surface 720 of first horizontal disk 202 and top surface 604 of second horizontal disk 204 towards each other.

A diameter 710 defines a diameter of an opening formed by aperture wall 600 within which flagstick 104 is received. For illustration, diameter 710 may be approximately 1.75 inches. A diameter of an opening formed by first aperture wall 206 and/or the second aperture wall may be the same as diameter 710, greater than diameter 710, or less than diameter 710. However, a minimum diameter of the openings formed by first aperture wall 206, the second aperture wall, and aperture wall 600 is selected to accept insertion end 300 of flagstick 104 therethrough as discussed previously.

In an illustrative embodiment, second horizontal disk 204 is sloped upwards relative to a horizontal surface 724. Of course, golf green 100 may not be horizontal and may have various slopes and undulations. A flat edge 726 of second horizontal disk 204 extends from second outer edge 608 to bottom surface 722 of second horizontal disk 204 and rests on the surface of golf green 100. A slope 714 defines an angle between flat edge 726 and second horizontal disk 204. For illustration, slope 714 may be approximately 0.2 degrees.

A radius 716 defines a radius of second horizontal disk 204 that may be the same for first horizontal disk 202. For illustration, radius 716 may be three to six inches to provide the selected diameters of first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204. Either or both of first horizontal disk 202 and second horizontal disk 204 may be convex towards the other to reduce third height 704 to fourth height 712 to stop, trap or otherwise capture golf ball 108 at a typical penetration distance 706 based on a typical speed and weight of golf ball 108. Other dimensions may be selected to support different capture distances (penetration distance 706) for golf ball 108. Golf ball 108 is stopped, trapped, or captured before it contacts aperture wall 600.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7, golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown for capturing golf ball 108 that is a standard size for traditional golf. Golf hole enlargement device 200 may be sized to stop, trap or otherwise capture other types of balls having different diameters. For example, golf hole enlargement device 200 may be used for foot golf, which uses a soccer ball instead of golf ball 108. For illustration, third height 704 may be approximately 9.75 inches, fourth height 712 may be approximately 8.5 inches, and radius 716 may be approximately 12 inches to capture the soccer ball instead of golf ball 108.

First horizontal disk 202 may be convex towards second horizontal disk 204, and second horizontal disk 204 may be flat. In another illustrative embodiment, first horizontal disk 202 may be flat, and second horizontal disk 204 may be convex towards first horizontal disk 202 as shown in FIG. 7.

The remaining dimensions may be similar to those described with reference to golf ball 108 so that foot golf can be played using flagstick 104 inserted into golf hole 102 of golf green 100 without damaging golf green 100 to support foot golf. Other dimensions may be selected to support different sized golf holes and different capture distances for the soccer ball or any other size ball.

The one or more components of golf hole enlargement device 200 may be formed of one or more materials, such as various metals (i.e., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), elastomeric material such as rubber and/or plastics having a sufficient strength and rigidity to support the described application. Different surfaces of the one or more components of golf hole enlargement device 200 may be formed using different materials.

The one or more components of golf hole enlargement device 200 may be mounted to each other using various types of fasteners, glue, etc. and/or may be integrally formed together, for example, using a molding process. In an illustrative embodiment, golf hole enlargement device 200 weighs approximately 8 ounces.

As used herein, the term “mount” includes join, unite, connect, couple, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, hinge, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, glue, form over, form in, layer, mold, rest on, rest against, abut, and other like terms. The phrases “mounted on”, “mounted to”, and equivalent phrases indicate any interior or exterior portion of the element referenced. These phrases also encompass direct mounting (in which the referenced elements are in direct contact) and indirect mounting (in which the referenced elements are not in direct contact, but are connected through an intermediate element) unless specified otherwise. Elements referenced as mounted to each other herein may further be integrally formed together, for example, using a molding or thermoforming process as understood by a person of skill in the art. As a result, elements described herein as being mounted to each other need not be discrete structural elements unless specified otherwise. The elements may be mounted permanently, removably, or releasably unless specified otherwise.

Use of directional terms, such as top, bottom, right, left, front, back, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, behind, etc. are merely intended to facilitate reference to the various surfaces of the described structures relative to the orientations introduced in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting in any manner unless otherwise indicated.

The word “illustrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more”. Still further, using “and” or “or” in the detailed description is intended to include “and/or” unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter and as practical applications of the disclosed subject matter to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosed subject matter in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf hole enlargement device configured to trap a ball, the golf hole enlargement device comprising: a first horizontal disk having a first aperture wall formed therethrough in a vertical direction; a second horizontal disk having a second aperture wall formed therethrough in the vertical direction; and a third aperture wall that extends between the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk and mounts a bottom surface of the first horizontal disk to a top surface of the second horizontal disk, wherein the first aperture wall, the second aperture wall, and the third aperture wall define a hole sized to accept an end of a flagstick for a golf green to position the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk adjacent a golf hole of the golf green when the golf hole enlargement device is used, wherein the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk have a diameter greater than six inches, wherein a minimum vertical distance between the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk and the top surface of the second horizontal disk is selected to be less than a diameter of a ball to be trapped by the golf hole enlargement device when the golf hole enlargement device is used.
 2. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the ball does not contact the third aperture wall when trapped between the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk when the golf hole enlargement device is used.
 3. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the minimum vertical distance is less than 1.68 inches.
 4. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the minimum vertical distance is less than 8.5 inches.
 5. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the second horizontal disk has a slope greater than zero relative to horizontal.
 6. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of a horizontal cross section of the hole formed by the third aperture wall is equal to 4.25 inches.
 7. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of a horizontal cross section of the hole formed by the third aperture wall is less than 4.25 inches and greater than one inch.
 8. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein a vertical distance between the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk and the top surface of the second horizontal disk decreases from an outside edge of the first horizontal disk and the second horizontal disk to third aperture wall.
 9. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk is sloped towards the top surface of the second horizontal disk, and the top surface of the second horizontal disk is flat.
 10. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the second horizontal disk is sloped towards the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk, and the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk is flat.
 11. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the second horizontal disk is sloped towards the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk, and the bottom surface of the first horizontal disk is sloped towards the top surface of the second horizontal disk.
 12. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first horizontal disk is greater than nine inches.
 13. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the second horizontal disk is greater than nine inches.
 14. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first horizontal disk is greater than twenty inches.
 15. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 14, wherein the diameter of the second horizontal disk is greater than twenty inches.
 16. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first horizontal disk is greater than the diameter of the second horizontal disk.
 17. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first horizontal disk is less than the diameter of the second horizontal disk.
 18. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the ball to be trapped by the golf hole enlargement device when the golf hole enlargement device is used is a soccer ball.
 19. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the ball to be trapped by the golf hole enlargement device when the golf hole enlargement device is used is a golf ball.
 20. The golf hole enlargement device of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal disk, the second horizontal disk, and the third aperture wall are made of a plastic material. 